The number of Topps ‘oddall’ or ‘test’ issues flowed like water from a tap throughout the 1960s and 70s. In 1974, the company dipped back into its recent history for a very narrowly distributed set of 72 black and white cards. Unlike the 1969 Deckle Edge inserts, however, this set stood on its own. Sold by wax packs, these were over-sized cards that had more in common with the 1964 Topps Giants, even though they were devoid of the color. Unique poses, candid shots and a concept that was more suited to a collector of photographs than baseball cards are what set the 1974 Topps Deckle Edge cards apart. This week, we are privileged to offer one of the finest cards from this very scarce set from an important time in the history of baseball. We have posted one of only two Hank Aaron cards ever graded Gem Mint 10 by PSA. The asking price is $4,999. If baseball cards can tell stories, this one is a whopper. Unique to the ’74 Deckle Edge set is the date that’s printed on the back, a rarity for any trading card company. In this case, Topps tells us that it is September 1 of 1973. What must he be thinking as he signs this autograph? Within a month, he’ll pull within one home run of the all-time career record set by Babe Ruth. As he threatens the mark, hateful letters have begun to trickle into his mail box. Bigoted ‘fans’ who would rather see him dead than break the record of the white slugger. The home run chase took an emotional toll on this gentle slugger. By the time the Deckle Edge set arrived—in and around the state of Massachusetts only it now appears—the record belonged to Aaron, who broke it in April of ’74. The Deckle Edge cards in 1974 were printed on thick stock with a facsimile signature on the front. Sometimes the backs are in white, other times they are gray. The former is believed to be the rarer version of a very scarce set. Of the 2,414 cards from this set that PSA has graded (a very small number in its own right), less than 60 have been deemed worthy of a 10. Thus, this card has a lot going for it: Scarcity. Aaron. 1 of 2. Gem Mint. The year he broke Babe Ruth’s record. A photo that shows his willingness to interact with fans and pass out autographs despite the toll of the home run chase that had begun to engulf him. It all adds up to a remarkable card that would fit well into any collection or investment portfolio.
